There is a notable rise in irregular migration from Algeria to the Balearic Islands this summer, adding to the tensions in Spain–Algeria relations, which are also strained by visa restrictions.

Visa restrictions remain a major friction point between Spain and Algeria alongside the surge in irregular migration to the Balearics.

Spain–Algeria trade relations have not fully recovered from a crisis that cost Spanish companies about €3.2 billion, and frictions such as visa limits persist.

Spain plans to host Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune for an official visit to Madrid later this month, marking a diplomatic milestone amid Western Sahara sensitivities and after a Morocco–Spain high-level meeting.

The visit is aimed at balancing Madrid’s relations with Rabat and Algiers and restoring trust and economic and political exchanges with both countries following earlier tensions over Western Sahara.

Ahead of Tebboune’s visit, Spain will appoint Ramiro Fernández Bachiller as the new ambassador to Algeria, signaling a diplomatic move to bolster ties.

The trade downturn from the prior economic crisis continues to linger, with the €3.2 billion impact still shaping business ties.